Speed cameras coming to North Port schools; here's what drivers need to know

NORTH PORT, Fla. (WINK) — The City of North Port will begin using photo-enforced speed cameras in school zones starting Monday, as students in the Sarasota County School District head back to class.

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Phase one of the program includes intersections at Glenallen, Cranberry and Toledo Blade elementary schools, Heron Creek Middle School and North Port High School. August will serve as a warning period for all phase one schools, meaning no citations will be issued during that month.

Drivers who qualify for a violation will receive a warning instead. Civil citations begin Sept. 14 for any drivers caught going more than 10 mph over the posted speed limit. 

The camera enforcement system will be active during the school day session, with exact times varying depending on each school's schedule. The speed enforcement allowable time periods include within 30 minutes before and through 30 minutes after the start of a regularly scheduled breakfast program, within 30 minutes before and through 30 minutes after the start of a regularly scheduled school session, during the entirety of a regularly scheduled school session and within 30 minutes before and through 30 minutes after the end of a regularly scheduled school session.

According to the city, the photo enforcement system is entirely funded by paid violations.

Phase two and three will go into effect at a later date and ample notice will be given before those schools become active.